Kenyon College Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Tim

I would tell the high school version of myself to stop wasting time trying to be cool by hiding your intelligence. The pursuit of knowledge and the curiosity that results in learning new things are beautiful instincts that should not be suppressed. In high school I had an irrational fear of being branded with the dreaded label of “nerd”. In college and beyond I now am liberated by the freedom to express my inner nerd and let it flourish. I want to look my high school self in the eye and let him know what he is missing. I want to let him know how it is exponentially more exhilarating to discuss the impact Edouard Manet had on the Impressionism movement than it is to argue over the impact Adam Sandler had on comedy movies. As a teenager it is easy to allow peer pressure and the fear of embarrassment squelch intellectual curiosity. As an adult you begin to realize that fear, especially the fear of embarrassment, only prevents you from experiencing what is truly enjoyable.

Aubrey

No, we didn’t totally mess up college, but I’m sure we could have done it better. Here are a couple of things you should consider this time around: Firstly, there’s no shame in using the Pass/Fail option, especially your first year. A difficult class or professor can influence more than just one semester. Your GPA is important in the long run and it’s better to have a Pass on your record than a C, which will lower you GPA and ultimately keep you from Cum Laude status. Also, don't allow that one bad professor deter you. There are many advantages to studying higher math, even if it isn’t your major. When it comes to campus life, take advantage of every opportunity, volunteer, get to know as many people as you can. Don’t try to find your niche so quickly; most of your classmates are smart and engaging people. Looking back, I wish I had gotten to know many of them my first year. It would have given me more time to enjoy their company. Otherwise, dress warmly and enjoy, you only get to go to college once and four years fly by.

Amanda

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would tell myself to slow down. Don't get in a big hurry to head away from home to dome big four-year college. Take some community classes first to get use to how college classes work. I know you think that they are going to be just like highschool classes but there not, they are so much more advanced. The four-year college can wait. It will still be there in a couple years when you are fully ready to go, because with some college classes under your belt you have a world of possibilities at your doorstep. Do not let anyone discourage you though, because you will do great your senior year. You should still dump that guy and focus on your studies a little more, because now you have a husband who encourages you to live your dreams instead of dragging you down. Be brave and face your fears, because you never know what life has in store for you.

courtney

An education. I know how to think critically, read anything and be able to understand it. I have learned how to approach topics I know nothing about with an open mind so that I can better understand them. I feel like I could be thrown into almost any situation or job and be able to figure it out.

Eliza

Although people say that college will be the best four years of your life, the first semester will not be easy. Do not assume the ?freshman blues?, loneliness, homesickness, and doubt will just pass you by. At times you will feel helpless, and even if they say everyone is going through the same thing, it will not always seem apparent. You will read more than you ever have, do homework every weekend, discover every school is a party school, meet people from all backgrounds and deal with people who have always lived privileged lives. But eventually you will find people who appreciate you for who you are-who will have hysterically in depth conversations about time travel and philosophy at the lunch table- but it will be a process, a slow one at that. You will have to stand up for yourself, defend your rights in front of ornery professors, some you will hate, some you will love, some will invite you to dinner. Talk to people, find a support network, have hope and faith in yourself. Never give up. And even if the dessert is always guaranteed to be better than the real food, don?t eat it everyday.

Mark

Don't ;et a school sell itself to you. Choosing a college is about finding the best fit, not the most renowned.

Briana

When looking for the right college, apply to and visit as many schools as possible. This may seem time consuming and expensive, but if you are really concerned about finding the right school for you, I truly believe that this is the best way to do it. You cannot rely on websites, or college counselors, or even friends and family to figure out what school would be a good fit for you. You have to experience them for yourself because in the end it is your decision. Also, Do not be to bias when picking out your list of schools to visit. You would be surprised how different the actual school that you choose is from the ideal school that you thought you wanted. I myself thought that I wanted a fairly large school, near a city and in some place that is predominantly warm. And out of the 14 schools that I applied to, I chose is an extremely small one in rural Ohio and I could not be happier. Keep an open mind throughout the entire process. The right school for you is out there and YOU will know it when you find it.

Katelyn

My advice is to choose the college that speaks to you; the one that makes you feel at home. Apart from being your school for the next several years, it will also be the place where you live. You must feel that you will be able to flourish there, that there will be opportunities to better yourself and expand your world. Having had the time to reflect on my years in college, I have found myself evaluating my experience and wondering whether or not I got all I could out of my 4 years at Kenyon. When I was on my way to undergrad my mom told me to make sure I attended as many lectures and presentations as I could. My advice is to follow hers. Be as involved as possible, so as not to miss out on the benefits your school has to offer. At times they may be hidden, but worth seeking out. In college you begin to be responsible for your own education and listen most intently to internal motivation, and that is something that should not be taken lightly.

Ellen

Students and parents: close all those pamphlets and really take a look at the campuses, the people, and the courses offered at the schools you are looking at. After a while, every college seems to be telling you the same thing about their school. Those tree lined paths and brick buildings easily blend together. The truly important part of the process is what a pamphlet can't tell you: It's about stepping foot somewhere and feeling comfortable. It should be a place where you want to run into the library and nap on the quad at the same time. So before you get distracted by SAT numbers, glossy photos, and admission percentages, I urge all students and parents to emerse yourselves in each school and discover what a pamphlet can't tell you from real students who have first hand experience, and were exactly where you are a few years back.

Samantha

Don't go just anywhere. To really enjoy college and learn a lot you need to pick somewhere where you feel connected. If you are not sure if you like a college or university rethink your choice to go there.

Ariel

Go with personal fit, not prestige, and ALWAYS visit the campus.

Kara

Students: Apply to a diverse group of colleges in terms of size and location, but apply to only those you would be happy to go to (no matter what your parents want you to do). Know that most college admission offices are good at what they do, as in they will choose you to attend their school if they think you will be a good fit. Apply to a dream school, even if you are told it could never happen, and apply to at least two safety schools that you would still be happy to attend. Submit honest application essays. Parents: Let your kid decide on where they want to apply, and if it is really important to you ask for them to apply to only one other school they would no apply to if you were not making them. Continue to encourage them over the process, and remind them that it will turn out alright. Do not limit them because of finances, when the schools decide you can figure out where to get all of the money from. Do not force them to have you read over anything, they need to be as honest as possible in their essays.

Vibha

Go to a variety of websites that have reviews on the colleges by students who have actually attended the college. Find out what kind of academic reputation the colleges have. Also find out the type of student that goes there so that you can see if you are an appropriate fit. Visit your top three schools, and make sure you interview everywhere you possibly can. Apply for as many scholarships as you can. Make sure to send supplemental information regarding your extracurricular activities, such as a CD recording of you singing if you're a singer or a dance DVD of you dancing if you are an accomplished dancer, etc. Do not hide the flaws in your application. In fact, acknowledge them and admit that they are mistakes and you have learned from them. Then, focus on all your acheivements. Be honest but portray yourself in a likeable, friendly, openminded way. Always discuss things that you are intellectually stimulated by in your interviews. Do not apply for a school just based on privelege -- ultimately, you should go where your heart tells you to go.

chris

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Emily

The college experience is in the real world, not on a piece of paper--apply accordingly! Visit, visit, visit--and not just for the tour-and-info-session routine. Stay overnight, visit the classes, talk to the students (not just the tour guide--while they're usually pretty honest, remember that higher education is a business, and it's the guide's job to make sales). Look at the dorm rooms--those aren't just beds; they're your home for four years. Check out the social scene and the dining options. Get in tune with the atmosphere of the school and the personality of the students. College is an academic institution, yes, but one of the most difficult things to understand before going to college is that this isn't just school anymore; it's every aspect of your day-to-day life. And I cannot stress this enough: visit a variety of types of campuses--even if you think you know what you want--and see how you feel. No campus is for everyone, and every campus will not be for you; it's important to go in with an open mind and find a good personal fit.

Alexandra

When I applied to schools I was very apathetic about the entire process. I did not want to get my heart set on one school without knowing for sure that I would be able to go there. I didn't want to be disappointed. I applied early decision to my top choice school because I just wanted to be done with the application process - not because I loved the school. I ended up being deferred to regular admission, meaning that I would have to continue to apply to different schools. I applied to nine schools total and was accepted into 5. I narrowed my top picks down to three and then visited the campuses. Nothing could have helped me make my decision more than visiting the schools. When people ask me why I chose the school I did, I can't come up with a concrete reason - the school just felt right. As cheesy as it sounds, you'll know when you find the right school for you.

Emily

My advice to parent and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to be active. By active I mean engage in conversation with the faculty at the institution where you are looking, ask them questions you may have and actively listen to thier responses. As a prospective student attend a class while visiting and ask current students about thier experience at thier school. In addition to attending class, have an overnight with a current student so you can experience the dorm life and social scenes of the school to see if they are right for you. To make the most out of your college experience while attending, you must put yourself out there and try new things; attend a meeting for a social organization you are interested in, try out for an athletic team you may want to participate in, and most importantly, find something that makes you happy.

Allison

I would say that after completing the maximum amount of research (perhaps with your high school guidance counselor), the most important thing you can do to find the right college is going to visit the campus, meet the students/professors, and eat in the dining hall. By visiting the college campus, you can FEEL the life (or lack thereof) of the environment - the smells, sounds, sights, people - and that special vibe that either tells you, "Nope, this just doesn't fit me" or "YES! I could really feel at home here!" If there's something that just doesn't feel right, even if you can't put your finger on it, don't go to that school. You want to be motivated to make friends, succeed academically, and live there. Once you find that special fit, get involved in everything and anything that interests you! Filling up your time with exciting clubs, organizations, and projects will not only foster lifelong friendships and passions for finding happiness, but may also even help you find a career path that you can make your own. Most importantly, make choices you won't regret. LIfe is too short, enjoy every minute!

forest

Try to avoid going to a school for its reputation. Try some overnight visits, and see in which atmosphere you feel most at home.

Rachel

Your college should just feel right. For me, the knowledge of which school to matriculate at came with the first step on campus. You can't fail at a place where you feel completely at home every time you return.

George

Each college has its own unique defining characteristis that make that school special. It is important to speak with the students at a potential college choice in a laid back atmosphere inorder to learn the most about the school. Experiences vary from school to school and it is very important to know what collegiate experience you would like to have inorder to find the best school for you. Although the academic experience of college is important, it is not only factor that should be taken into consideration when choosing a school. If the campus life outside academics is not appealing you could loose a significant part of the college experience.

Andrew

Visit all of the school you are interested in and stay over night, also, apply to lot's of schools and try to visit them all. The more options the better you will feel, and the less likely you will be stuck going somewhere you don't want to,

Lindsay

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Nicole

To parents, I would say to trust your child's judgement. Encourage them to explore their opportunities, but know that ultimately they, and not their college, will determine the quality of their education. To students, I would remind you that the right college for you coming out of high school may not be the right college for you four years later: that's okay, and in fact can be preferable as a sign of growth and change. Take advantage of the opportunities and people around you, explore the unexplored, and ultimately, trust yourself.

Elaine

The most important aspect to the college search is visiting the campus and talking to students. It?s easy to tell after an over-night visit if the student will feel comfortable at the school. Also ask current students whatever questions you might have on your mind - you'll get a better, more honest answer from them than you would an admissions brochure! Sitting in on a class is also really important because it shows you what an average class is like: the setting, how students and professors interact, as well as how much work is expected on a daily basis. As for making the most of your college experience, I would urge students to be OPEN TO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING! Throw all your previous judgments about certain people or ideas or food out the window and engage them! I have befriended students from Nepal and New York and have learned so much from them in the process. Be open to the fact that learning in college doesn?t stop and that life outside the classroom is just as important as the lectures inside the classroom. Embrace and uncover everything your college has to offer and it will embrace you.

Henry

It's really not that big a deal

Rebecca

College visits and overnights are a must!

Sarah

If possible, visit your top choice schools before deciding. Depending on the individual, atmosphere can determines how happy and comfortable you will be at college. Talk to some students at your favorite colleges and determine whether you have common interests and attitudes about the purpose of education as well as other aspects of college life. Consider whether the college setting is bigger or smaller than what you were looking for, and determine whether any discrepancy here might be a problem, or whether you have changed your expectations after seeing how awesome the campus is. Remember, people are very flexible, and chances are there's more than one college that will give you a wonderful experience.

Lauren

There are many times you will find yourself choosing a college or choosing among colleges where you really don't know all about it, and where you won't be able to predict how much (or how little!) you might like it. That's ok. In my experience there are any number of places in this country that can make students happy and so don't frustrate yourself with thinking that you must find the one perfect college out there for you. It doesn't exist. Rather, there are many many good matches... and you will probably find some of those based on your research and your gut!

Lauren

The most important piece of advice that I can give to prospective students is to begin the college search with some soul-searching and reflection. As Socrates said, "Know thyself." When I was in high school, I was an excellent student, and I felt pressure from peers, teachers, and college counselors to aim for a well-known school. However, the more I researched colleges and universities, the more I realized that a small liberal arts college would be a better fit for my personality, interests, and temperament. I wanted a college where I would have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of academic disciplines, be able to explore outside interests such as theater and music, and have a close relationship with professors and fellow students-- all things that might not have been possible at a big-name university. However, for a student with a clear career path, or a student who likes anonymity, a big-name university might be the better choice. Nobody can tell you what is best for you except you. Choose the college that you feel is right for you; you'll be the one living with your choice for the next four years.

Daziah

I would personally advise parents to make sure their children visit the college before making a decision to enroll. This is important because all of my friends chose their school after visiting. Some of them immediately made Kenyon their top choice after visiting. Also, parents should allow their children to make their college choice based on what's right for them because what's right in the eyes of the parent is not always what's right for the kid. The student should be allowed to choose a school without their parents pressuring them to attend schools they want them to attend, and should support their child's decision to attend the school that is right for them. Also, I advise the student to not just choose a school based on its reputation because you may miss out on the best college opportunity by being a status seeker. That means instead of applying to only Ivies, students should look into schools with great academic reputations, but that also have more to offer than just a title. Not to say the Ivies haven't offered some people the best college opportunity, I'm just encouraging the student to expand their options.

Drew

As for finding the right college, definitly visit and see which one feels the best and at home. To make the most of your college experience, try to become involved in your college activities and don't be afraid to meet new peole or try new things.

Ayesha

The most important thing would be not to stress out too much about it. You will find the right college, and if not you always have the option of transfereing. College is important, yes, but don't over stress it.

Courtney

I would tell students to make sure they visit the college and they like it because it will be there home away from home for gour years. Students should try something new that they wouldn't have considered doin in high school like a sport or a club. Parents should let their children go!!!! Don't call everyday freshman are busy with class clubs/sports and new friends. It is an important time to bond with others and they can't do that if the parents are always calling them!

Rebecca

Selecting a college is not about the "name" or recognition it has (you'll probably end up paying more for that anyway)--it's about finding a place that makes you most happy. For me, that was finding a place that would not only be physically beautiful and inspiring, but would also be a good support in helping me make academic decisions. With the right support behind you, you should feel free to experiment in what classes you take. You never know what may surprise you. Selecting a major is really about finding what you are most passionate about--what makes you most happy to learn. When i selected my school, the number of proud (and prominenet) alumni indicated to me that i had found something special. Even now, i have traveled to many countries, and have still been able to find people associated with the college who are always excited to talk about it. As a senior in high school, i panicked about going away from home. But i've come to realize that stepping outside my boundaries and going to the school i chose helped me to become so much more independent.